Planning a trip to Europe with a budget of ₹3 lakh (approximately $3,600 USD) requires strategic financial planning. One option is to invest through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), which entails saving around ₹24,000–₹25,000 monthly over the next 12 months. This approach is safer, as it builds savings without incurring debt, even if market returns are modest. However, it’s important to note that the short time horizon may not be ideal for equity SIPs. Alternatively, using credit cards can provide discounts and rewards, but this method is risky unless you can guarantee full repayment on time. Missing a payment could result in high-interest rates of 30–45% annually, turning a cost-effective trip into an expensive one. A recommended strategy is a hybrid approach: save 70–80% of the trip cost through SIPs while using credit cards selectively for discounts and rewards. This method balances the benefits of both options while minimizing risk. Ultimately, assess your financial situation and the reliability of your bonus before deciding on the best funding strategy.